Best wild UK spa breaks

No distractions, just glorious wild country

The word spa is often associated with a luxe hotel, an urban retreat or an impeccably decorated countryside farmhouse - just oozing luxury from the word go.

You're encouraged to let go of modern-day tensions, possibly turn off any mobile devices and sip champagne in a hot tub, post-relaxing treatment.

Now imagine you're miles away, in a secluded spot reserved just for you during your break, with few modern-day amenities and where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of urban day life.

This is exactly what these wild spas have been created for, from the nethermost highlands of Scotland, to rural Cornwall and Wales, to the remote countryside of Essex.

Encouraging you to get back to nature and find yourself, there's sure to be something to take your fancy with these obscure breaks.

1 of 4

Stardust, Loch Ewe

The Western Highlands of Scotland is one of Europe’s last great wildernesses and Stardust – a unique bolthole for two on Loch Ewe – just adds to the magic.

Located in the old crofting village of Poolewe, it combines a Harris Tweed-clad boathouse (for sleeping, bathing and cosying up around the wood burner) with a vintage-inspired shepherd’s hut for cooking and eating – potentially, langoustines caught on a jaunt with the local fisherman. Guests can also canoe on the loch and walk on the area’s sandy beaches, though the real treat is the sunset views from the outdoor hot tub.

Getting there: Fly to Inverness, or take the sleeper train from London Euston (scotrail.co.uk), then pick up a hire car for the spectacular 90-minute drive from there.

2 of 4

Chy-an-Gargo, Cornwall

Sennen Cove is equally sublime: a fishing village on the southwest tip of Cornwall with a never-ending sweep of golden sand and rolling surf.

Overlooking the beach is Chy-an-Gargo (‘house on the cliff’), an all-white contemporary home with underfloor heating and four double rooms. After a day in the surf or walking the South West Coast Path, unwind in the wooden hot tub overlooking the sea and with a Spiezia facial courtesy of mobile therapist Beverley Brooks (£70 for 60 minutes; mybreathingspace.co.uk). Then curl up by the wood burner with a bottle of local Camel Valley wine.

Getting there: Take the train to Penzance (firstgreatwestern.co.uk), then pick up a hire car outside the station (europcar.co.uk).

3 of 4

The Raft, Chigborough

Closer to London, but still beautifully out there, is The Raft at Chigborough, a wood cabin anchored in a tranquil lake near Maldon in Essex.

The Blackwater Estuary is an easy walk away; back at The Raft there is trout in the lake (which you are invited to catch and cook on the outdoor gas hob or barbecue), as well as an an outdoor shower, binoculars for bird-watching, and a vintage telescope for gazing at the stars. Or jump in your boat and row to the wood-fired hot tub on the shore; massages with therapist Martina Gentry, from hot stone to Swedish and aromatherapy, cost from £30 for 45 minutes.

In Wales, meanwhile, Snowdonia is home to the highest mountain in the country, the golden beaches of Cardigan Bay and The Water Mill, which dates back to the 12th century, but is now a rustic-chic home for six (plus two in a cottage annexe).

Inside, the restored wheel mechanism extends from the kitchen and Aga to the first-floor sitting room and log burner; outside, the gardens include a stream, mill pond and waterfall. Walk to Portmeirion, enjoying the views across the estuary, then return for a sauna, a dip in the ice-cold pond and an in-house treatment booked through My Personal Sanctuary: treatment packages (from £120 for one hour) can be split into shorter treatments and shared between friends and family.

RED, PART OF THE HEARST UK FASHION & BEAUTY NETWORK
Red Online participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.